instead

(linking-words)

Found 11 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.

alternatively

Offering a different choice

Nuance: Alternative

Common in writing.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. Alternatively, I finished my homework.

as an alternative

Offering a different choice

Nuance: Alternative

Clear for essays.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. As an alternative, I finished my homework.

in its place

Substitution

Nuance: Replacement

Slightly formal, but clear.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. In its place, I finished my homework.

better yet

Suggestion (casual)

Nuance: Improvement

Casual; good for voice in narratives.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. Better yet, I finished my homework.

in place of that

Substitution

Nuance: Replacement

Clear substitution phrase.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. In place of that, I finished my homework.

rather

Correction / preference (formal)

Nuance: Preference shift

More formal; use in essays.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. Rather, I finished my homework.

to choose a different option

Explaining the swap

Nuance: Decision

Works when explaining your decision.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. To choose a different option, I finished my homework.

as a substitute

Substitution (formal)

Nuance: Substitution

Formal; sounds like a report.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. As a substitute, I finished my homework.

in lieu of that

Substitution (formal)

Nuance: Formal replacement

Formal phrase meaning “instead of that.”

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. In lieu of that, I finished my homework.

or rather

Self-correction

Nuance: Correction

Best when you correct yourself.

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. Or rather, I finished my homework.

to put it another way

Reframing (not a choice swap)

Nuance: Rephrase

Use for rephrasing; not always a true “instead.”

Boring

I planned to watch TV. Instead, I finished my homework.

Better

I planned to watch TV. To put it another way, I finished my homework.